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Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Global Economic Summit ends in Kerry with finale featuring Game of Thrones actor
The three-day conference, which saw world leaders descend upon Killarney's Europe Hotel for a second year, saw the likes of a New York Times journalist and an award-winning actor speak about some of the most pressing issues today. The day kicked off with a talk on crisis proof leadership from Dr Maria Guevera, who is the international medical secretary for Medicins Sans Frontiers. Later, New York Times enterprise investigations director, Limerick's Malachy Browne, took centre stage at 'Broken Signals', covering journalism, democracy and 'the war over truth'. It proved one of the highlights of the final day and he spoke too on how visual and digital evidence is used in accountability investigations. Talks were also held on Irish-led healthcare innovations driving impact worldwide and looking beyond Brexit before a conversation was held with actor Liam Cunningham, perhaps best known for playing Davos Seaworth in Game of Thrones. Liam spoke on his time on world-famous sets and even with director Stephen Spielberg while he also explained the role of his Game of Throne character: 'The guys realised there was so much sinister stuff... they needed a representative of the audience; a moral compass who needed to ask questions for the audience.' He spoke with CEO of IFTA, Killorglin native Aine Moriarty and referred also to his humanitarian work in Africa through World Vision. The discussion provided the conclusion to three days which saw Kerry welcome a total of 400 international business leaders, policymakers and politicians for the Summit, which was opened on Monday by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin. The Taoiseach spoke about how the conference brought together leaders and thinkers to discuss pressing issues of our time, such as economic and trade challenges, tackling climate change and the rise of artificial intelligence and its implications. 'The breadth and depth of expertise gathered here is immense and can provide real insight into these issues. Events such as the Global Economic Summit, bringing together diverse expertise for reflection and debate, are all the more important in today's world,' the Taoiseach said. The opening day of the conference saw EU Commissioner for Democracy, Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, speak about preparing for all scenarios in EU-US tariff talks. 'In the event of the talks ending unsuccessfully and EU businesses being subjected to unjustified tariffs, then the European Union will respond to defend the interest of the European economy. But our absolute focus for now is on making these talks a success in the next six weeks,' Mr McGrath said. Former commissioner of the US Social Security Administration, Martin O'Malley, provided participants with insights into Irish and American relations. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's former White House Chief of Staff, Mick Mulvaney, joined Miriam O'Callaghan for a fireside chat. Mr Mulvaney revealed that he landed the chief of staff job after he had sought the role of special envoy to Northern Ireland. He said he does not think the world needs to fear a third Trump presidential term. 'I know that Trump oftentimes likes to say things in order to sort of just provoke the left. But I think he put that to bed on a Sunday talk show a couple weeks back. I think that, of all the things you might want to worry about, you can probably take that one off your list,' Mr Mulvaney said. Sisters Ciara, Saoirse and Laoise Murphy, winners of the BT Young Scientist Award, provided a local feel to the day when they participated in a mentorship session with Dr Maria Guevara. Artificial intelligence and infrastructure were top of the agenda on Tuesday, the second day of GES2025. Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform, Jack Chambers, told of how he plans to 'unblock and unlock' infrastructure delivery in Ireland. Minister Chambers said he agreed with comments that the public service is too averse to taking risks and there needs to a greater risk appetite if mega-projects are to be delivered. 'We need to re-examine the level over the project life cycle, how we can better mitigate the risk in how we do the design process and how we support public servants in really accelerating the delivery of projects through the through the overall life cycle,' Minister Chambers said. Maurice Regan, owner of leading construction company JT Magen, spoke about how good leadership is achieved through responsibility. Audrey O'Mahony, who is head of talent and organisation at Accenture, explained how her company has helped over 2,500 clients to implement Gen AI into their businesses. Dingle-based supply chain digitalisation company, Net Feasa, held the official European launch ceremony of its Agentic Control Tower™ platform. The platform, which is the first of its kind, uses the power of AI to visualise container fleets as they move goods around the globe and automate traditional logistical workflows such as booking and scheduling. A special fringe event titled 'Taste of Kerry' was held at Kate Kearney's Cottage at the end of the day. It provided delegates with an experience showcasing the county's rich cultural heritage and creativity. At the event, internationally acclaimed fashion designer Don O'Neill captivated guests with stories of how Kerry's landscapes shaped his creative journey from Ballyheigue to the global fashion capitals.
Irish Examiner
23-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Working Life: Radiation oncology is like virtual surgery, where you deliver targeted treatment
Professor Gerry Hanna, Marie Curie chair of clinical oncology at TCD, and vice clinical lead, Cancer Trials Ireland 'I'm originally from Newcastle, Co Down. I completed my training in hospitals in Belfast and Amsterdam, and took up a consultant post in Belfast. I was then appointed as director of radiation oncology at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia's largest cancer centre. All my family — my wife Suzie, a GP, and children Alice, Patrick and James — moved there in 2018. 'We loved Peter Mac and Australia, but missed friends and family in Ireland and came back in 2021. I love being home. It's a good opportunity to build on our cancer infrastructure and keep Ireland on the map. 'When I was a junior doctor, I was drawn to trying to turn things around for people with cancer. It's a very holistic specialty, often you are supporting patients for long periods or maybe curing them or extending their lives. I wanted to practice a form of medicine that was people-centred. 'Radiation oncology is like virtual surgery, where you deliver targeted treatment without opening people up. Prof. Gerry Hanna, Vice Clinical Lead at Cancer Trials Ireland: "The hard part of the job is when patients relapse, or when you can't offer a treatment to change the course of the disease in any meaningful way." Picture: Moya Nolan 'The hard part of the job is when patients relapse, or when you can't offer a treatment to change the course of the disease in any meaningful way. This can be very distressing. But overall oncology can be a very uplifting specialty to work in. 'I wear a number of hats. I'm a consultant in radiation oncology at the St Luke's radiation oncology network and the Trinity St James Cancer Institute. "I'm also vice clinical lead at Clinical Trials Ireland, an organisation that sponsors and manages Irish-led cancer trials, as well as working with international research groups and global pharma companies. 'Clinical trials are crucial for examining new treatments and for assessing their safety and efficacy. They offer patients an opportunity to try new treatments that may improve their outcomes, such as a person's survival from cancer or reducing the risk of cancer coming back. 'Most patients who take part in clinical trials do so because they know it will help patients in the future. 'Clinical trials are also really important for hospitals, as they bring higher levels of oversight, and this high quality of care creates an ethos of excellence among clinical teams.' As part of its 'Just Ask' campaign, Cancer Trials Ireland is encouraging people with cancer undergoing treatment to 'just ask' their doctors about the clinical trial options open to them. More details:
Irish Post
04-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Galway-based contract laboratory announces ambitious multi-million-euro training programme
A CONTRACT laboratory based in Galway has announced a multi-million-euro training programme as part of its transition to a multinational enterprise. Founded in 1994, Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) is the highest-accredited Irish-led contract laboratory. Its clients include global leaders in the medical device, pharmaceutical, environmental and food and beverage industries. The company is transitioning from a medium-sized enterprise to an Irish-led multinational capable of delivering a full suite of strategic solutions that drive client growth, efficiency and effectiveness. As part of the growth plans, it is embarking on a significant training programme to further enhance its service offerings to include quality assurance, regulatory affairs, training and consultancy. The €9.9m training programme, supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland. will see all CLS staff upskilled over the next two years as the company prepares to embark on its next phase of growth. This will involve CLS expanding into new markets including semiconductors, engineering and the green and coastal economy. 'Exceptional service on a global scale' "We are thrilled to realise our vision of scaling Complete Laboratory Solutions into a multinational enterprise, enabling us to offer a broader range of services to both our existing clients and new partners," said CEO Evelyn O'Toole. "This expansion allows us to enhance our capabilities in driving growth, efficiency and effectiveness across multiple industries. "The support from IDA Ireland will be instrumental in this journey, providing the resources and expertise necessary to accelerate our growth and strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional service on a global scale." CLS has a proven track record in sample management, testing, validation, training and laboratory resourcing. Its expansion aims to meet the evolving needs of industry, while positioning the company for future growth. The groundwork is already in place, with new capabilities and accelerators supported by the training fund driving growth. "I am delighted that Complete Laboratory Solutions (CLS) is committing to invest over €9m in upskilling their staff in Ireland," said Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland. "Transformation is a key component of IDA Ireland's new strategy – 'Adapt Intelligently', and it is through upskilling that companies can future proof and remain competitive. "This ambitious programme will benefit not only the staff, CLS, but also the medical technology industry in Ireland." Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment added: "CLS is one of the shining stars of the science sector in the West of Ireland and the strategic expansion of the company, with the support of IDA Ireland through my department, is a major boost for Galway." See More: Complete Laboratory Solutions, Galway, IDA Ireland
Irish Daily Star
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Paul Mescal to star as Shakespeare opposite fellow Irish actress as film gets release date
A Shakespeare-era historical drama starring Paul Mescal has finally gotten a release date and fans are buzzing. Hamnet, based on Maggie O'Farrell's 2020 novel, will feature the 29-year-old Co Kildare actor as a young William Shakespeare, and fellow Irish actress Jessie Buckley as his wife Agnes. The Irish-led project will feature two Irish stars as the leading roles, and is based on a novel by a Derry author. Mescal previously spoke about the role to Vogue, saying, "I can't wait. If I told a younger version of myself that this would be [shooting] this year, I wouldn't believe it." The historical film, which has been sparking excitement among fans of both Mescal and Shakespeare, is set to be released in select cinemas this November 27, before expanding nationwide on December 12. Read More Related Articles Melania Trump shows true colors with 3-word command to Donald at Pope's funeral Read More Related Articles Putin's chilling 14-word demand to Zelensky after announcing three-day ceasefire 'Hamnet' is a fictionalized account of Shakespeare's young son, who died prematurely, and explores the profound love story that ultimately inspired Hamlet. It will also star Joe Alwyn and Emily Watson. Last August, pictures from the set emerged, showing Mescal and Buckley in a passionate embrace, surrounded by two young girls. Both were dressed in costumes suitable for the period-drama, Paul donning a grey shirt and waistcoat which he tucked into a pair of navy trousers and knee high leather boots. The movie has been adapted for the big-screen by Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao, who previously directed Eternals starring Barry Keoghan . Stephen Spielberg is also named on the list of producers for Hamnet. Hamnet won't be the first time Mescal and Jessie Buckley have worked together - the pair crossed paths while filming The Lost Daughter in 2021. Mescal said of Buckley at that time: "I think she's one of our present-day greats." The 35-year-old from Killarney has starred in films like Wicked Little Letters and TV shoes like Fargo. Earlier this month, Mescal completed his time playing Stanley Kowalski in an off-Broadway revival of A Streetcar Named Desire. He has a number of exciting projects in the works right now, including the film adaptation of the musical, Merrily We Roll Along, directed by Richard Linklater. Shakespeare isn't the only iconic figure Mescal will play this year. The Kildare actor was also recently cast as Paul McCartney in the highly-anticipated Beatles biopic. He will star alongside fellow Irish actor Barry Keoghan, who will play Ringo Starr, as well as Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Harris Dickinson as John Lennon. Paul Mescal will play Sir Paul McCartney (Image: @SonyPictures/Instagram) For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
Observer
30-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Irish executives in US to advise on tariff threat
To get insights on how best to deal with the problems in the trading environment in the coming period, Ireland has appointed business leaders in the United States to join an advisory panel to sit alongside the diplomatic corps. Ireland's Tanaiste (deputy prime minister) Simon Harris will be able to draw on the analysis and expertise of these senior US-based experts on specific business and economic issues that this Strategic Economic Advisory Panel (Seap) will provide as he works to manage the growing trade threat with Donald Trump imposing new high tariffs. Seap is a high-powered group of business leaders and experts who are 'on the ground' in the US and are advising Harris on 'strategic economic opportunities and risks in respect of the US-Ireland economic relationship'. During his visit to Washington this month, Ireland's Taoiseach (prime minister) Micheal Martin, met with a number of participants of Seap. This was the first meeting of the group. There are a number of high-profile Irish-led businesses based in the US including Stripe, CRH, Glanbia, Kerry Group, Kingspan, Ornua and Smurfit Westrock. The Government hopes that the strength of these firms' operations in the US will be a way of convincing the new US administration of the benefit of good trading relations with Ireland. The group (Seap) has been established in response to mounting concerns about the political economic shocks that would emanate from any decision by Trump to impose trade tariffs on the European Union. Last month, the US president said he was 'absolutely' going to impose tariffs on the EU, which he claimed had 'treated us so terribly'. A week later Trump imposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. A senior government source said that while Ireland maintained a direct and close relationship with the US, any imposition of tariffs against the EU would have a 'significant impact'. 'Simon Harris kicked off a set of interventions early in February aimed at protecting Ireland's economy,' the source said. 'He met the trade commissioners and this month spoke to the US secretary of state Marco Rubio. Ahead of the establishment of Seap, Harris had given a memo to cabinet updating ministers on the latest developments surrounding Trump's plans to impose trade tariffs. That memo was about the setting of another high-level group based in Ireland to focus on trade challenges. The group set up includes ministers, senior officials from other relevant departments, senior business representatives, senior leadership from state agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia, IDA Ireland, The American Chamber of Commerce and with due consideration to gender balance and regional diversity. It was to help prepare the country for any international trade and any potential trade shocks, particularly from the US. The minister for enterprise, Peter Burke, has said that Ireland needed to view Trump's threat to slap tariffs on the European Union as part of wider negotiating tactics and remain calm. He also said that Trump pulling out of the OECD global corporate tax deal meant the EU would now have to decide on the ultimate fate of the historic deal. The US stocks slipped last week as investors reacted to Trump signing an order to implement a 25 per cent tariff on auto imports. Shares of several auto makers also slipped in Europe following the tariff announcement. US has also suspended its contribution to the World Trade Organisation according to three trade sources cited by Reuters, as Trump intensifies efforts to reduce government spending. The move is part of a broader push by the administration to distance itself from global institutions that conflict with its 'America First' economic agenda. Washington has already cut funding to several international bodies and is planning to withdraw from others, including the World Health Organisation. The writer is our foreign correspondent based in the UK.
